Cardiff University plans 400 job cuts, course closures

Cardiff University has announced plans to cut 400 jobs, nearly 10% of its academic staff, and discontinue several degree programs, including nursing, music, and modern languages, due to significant financial difficulties. The university faces an operating deficit of £31.2 million for the 2023-24 period and declining international student applications. Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Larner emphasized that these measures are necessary for the institution's survival amid increasing cost pressures and the need to adapt. The University and College Union has criticized the proposed cuts as 'cruel,' arguing they will negatively impact both staff and students, and has vowed to contest any compulsory redundancies. A 90-day consultation period will follow the proposal announcement, but details on the timeline for cuts and the fate of current students in affected programs remain unclear. Welsh government officials have expressed concern, particularly over the potential loss of nursing courses, and plan to collaborate with health education authorities to mitigate the impact on nursing training in Wales.